Puerto Ricans on the streets demonstrating/protesting since July 14, 2019
- Thread starter 1peacelover
- Start date
angelburst29
The Living Force
From the reported information, it looks like the Puerto Ricans have "just cause" to protest - on many levels. Seems that corruption has been running rampant, especially at the government level. They need more then replacing the Governor (who has NO respect) for the people and it's financial institution needs to be restructured. I agree, a Federal Indictment should follow the arrest of the six individuals and the two former high ranking Government officials, who probably got very wealthy in their positions.
Puerto Rico governor vows to remain in office after violent protests
July 16, 2019 - SAN JUAN - Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said on Tuesday he will stay in office despite protests calling for his resignation that turned violent overnight
A peaceful demonstration that drew thousands to the streets of San Juan on Monday turned hostile in the evening when protesters and police clashed, injuring 21 law enforcement agents, officials said. The unrest was cited by a cruise ship company for its decision to cancel a scheduled stop by one of its vessels in the island’s capital city.
The political turmoil comes at a critical stage in the U.S. commonwealth’s historic bankruptcy and as its officials seek billions of dollars in funding from the federal government for healthcare and for recovery efforts following devastating hurricanes in 2017.
Protests against Rossello were sparked by leaked controversial and vulgar text messages between the governor and his closest allies and by a federal probe into government corruption on the island.
The Trump administration, which has tangled with Rossello in the past, said the events “prove the president’s concerns about mismanagement, politicization, and corruption have been valid,” according to a statement by White House spokesman Judd Deere.
Rossello, who took office in 2017, said he respected the right to protest peacefully and vowed to bring greater transparency and accountability to his government.
“My commitment is to keep on working and to make sure that services and the transformations that we’ve embarked in Puerto Rico continue,” the governor told a news conference.
He added he is in the process of replacing Christian Sobrino, the island’s chief financial officer and Rossello’s representative on Puerto Rico’s federally created financial oversight board, and Secretary of State Luis Rivera Martin, the government’s second in command.
The two men, who had participated in the governor’s group chat, resigned on Saturday following the release by Puerto Rico journalist group Centro de Periodismo Investigativo of 889 pages of text messages, showing how Rossello and his closest advisers exchanged memes, comments that were derogatory, misogynistic and homophobic, as well as privileged information in a Telegram group chat.
Rossello said on Tuesday he did not commit anything that could be considered illegal or unethical in the chat, but rather “improper” acts.
The protests were also sparked by U.S. authorities’ announcement of a federal indictment involving six people, including two former high-ranking Puerto Rico government officials, charged with conspiracy and other crimes in connection with millions of dollars in federal Medicaid and education funds.
Rossello said he welcomed greater federal oversight tied to federal dollars as long as it does not slow down the process. “That should not be a cover for delaying federal funding,” he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said its Empress of the Seas ship was rerouted on Tuesday to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands “in light of current unrest in San Juan.”
Puerto Rico filed a form of bankruptcy in 2017 to restructure about $120 billion of debt and pension obligations. Its oversight board is expected to soon unveil a proposed plan of adjustment for the island’s core government debt.
Slideshow (10 Images)
Puerto Rico governor vows to remain in office after violent protests
Puerto Rico governor vows to remain in office after violent protests
July 16, 2019 - SAN JUAN - Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said on Tuesday he will stay in office despite protests calling for his resignation that turned violent overnight
A peaceful demonstration that drew thousands to the streets of San Juan on Monday turned hostile in the evening when protesters and police clashed, injuring 21 law enforcement agents, officials said. The unrest was cited by a cruise ship company for its decision to cancel a scheduled stop by one of its vessels in the island’s capital city.
The political turmoil comes at a critical stage in the U.S. commonwealth’s historic bankruptcy and as its officials seek billions of dollars in funding from the federal government for healthcare and for recovery efforts following devastating hurricanes in 2017.
Protests against Rossello were sparked by leaked controversial and vulgar text messages between the governor and his closest allies and by a federal probe into government corruption on the island.
The Trump administration, which has tangled with Rossello in the past, said the events “prove the president’s concerns about mismanagement, politicization, and corruption have been valid,” according to a statement by White House spokesman Judd Deere.
Rossello, who took office in 2017, said he respected the right to protest peacefully and vowed to bring greater transparency and accountability to his government.
“My commitment is to keep on working and to make sure that services and the transformations that we’ve embarked in Puerto Rico continue,” the governor told a news conference.
He added he is in the process of replacing Christian Sobrino, the island’s chief financial officer and Rossello’s representative on Puerto Rico’s federally created financial oversight board, and Secretary of State Luis Rivera Martin, the government’s second in command.
The two men, who had participated in the governor’s group chat, resigned on Saturday following the release by Puerto Rico journalist group Centro de Periodismo Investigativo of 889 pages of text messages, showing how Rossello and his closest advisers exchanged memes, comments that were derogatory, misogynistic and homophobic, as well as privileged information in a Telegram group chat.
Rossello said on Tuesday he did not commit anything that could be considered illegal or unethical in the chat, but rather “improper” acts.
The protests were also sparked by U.S. authorities’ announcement of a federal indictment involving six people, including two former high-ranking Puerto Rico government officials, charged with conspiracy and other crimes in connection with millions of dollars in federal Medicaid and education funds.
Rossello said he welcomed greater federal oversight tied to federal dollars as long as it does not slow down the process. “That should not be a cover for delaying federal funding,” he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said its Empress of the Seas ship was rerouted on Tuesday to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands “in light of current unrest in San Juan.”
Puerto Rico filed a form of bankruptcy in 2017 to restructure about $120 billion of debt and pension obligations. Its oversight board is expected to soon unveil a proposed plan of adjustment for the island’s core government debt.
Slideshow (10 Images)
Puerto Rico governor vows to remain in office after violent protests
1peacelover
Jedi Master
The people are demanding fiscal and social accountability. Knowing history of Puerto Rico, the citizens are have every right to have a response to their concerns. After all the people did not create the debt neither did they sign the illegal contracts. However, the citizenry are forced to pay additional taxes on everything from food to everything else put upon the people by the JUNTA/PROMESA to reduce the debt.
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angelburst29
The Living Force
Puerto Rico governor refuses to resign as island braces for big protest
Puerto Rico's governor on Sunday said he would not seek re-election next year but refused to resign as the island braced for more protests by demonstrators demanding he step down over leaked chat messages.
A day before a planned general strike and street demonstrations in the bankrupt U.S. territory, Ricardo Rossello, 40, said he respected the wishes of Puerto Ricans and would not seek a second term in November 2020 elections.
He also said he would resign as head of the New Progressive Party (PNP) but would remain as governor until the end of his term in January, 2021.
“I know that apologizing is not enough,” Rossello said in a video posted on Facebook. “A significant sector of the population has been protesting for days. I’m aware of the dissatisfaction and discomfort they feel. Only my work will help restore the trust of these sectors and lead the way to real reconciliation.”
Slideshow (8 Images)
Puerto Rico governor refuses to resign as island braces for big...
Puerto Rico's governor on Sunday said he would not seek re-election next year but refused to resign as the island braced for more protests by demonstrators demanding he step down over leaked chat messages.
A day before a planned general strike and street demonstrations in the bankrupt U.S. territory, Ricardo Rossello, 40, said he respected the wishes of Puerto Ricans and would not seek a second term in November 2020 elections.
He also said he would resign as head of the New Progressive Party (PNP) but would remain as governor until the end of his term in January, 2021.
“I know that apologizing is not enough,” Rossello said in a video posted on Facebook. “A significant sector of the population has been protesting for days. I’m aware of the dissatisfaction and discomfort they feel. Only my work will help restore the trust of these sectors and lead the way to real reconciliation.”
Slideshow (8 Images)
Puerto Rico governor refuses to resign as island braces for big...
1peacelover
Jedi Master
1peacelover
Jedi Master
Everyone is waiting patiently.
Puerto Rico Enters Uncharted Territory as Ricardo Rosselló Prepares to Resign as Governor
Puerto Rico’s Governor To Announce Resignation Soon: Reports
Background info
How “Ricky Leaks” Exposed Puerto Rico’s Governor and Sparked a Movement to Oust Him
What's next for Puerto Rico after the #RickyRenuncia protests?
Puerto Rico Enters Uncharted Territory as Ricardo Rosselló Prepares to Resign as Governor
Puerto Rico’s Governor To Announce Resignation Soon: Reports
Background info
How “Ricky Leaks” Exposed Puerto Rico’s Governor and Sparked a Movement to Oust Him
What's next for Puerto Rico after the #RickyRenuncia protests?
1peacelover
Jedi Master
The people have been heard. Puerto Rico’s Governor has resigned at 12am today effective on August 1, 2019. After watching the Governor's interview on Fox, I actually felt bad for the man, However, his scandal was too much for the working people to bear. There is celebration in the air. The next issue is tackling the Junta/PROMESA/financial control board put in place by Congress for which Puerto Rico has a non-voting representative, plus Puerto Ricanos cannot vote for President.
Celebration
Resignation
Celebration
Resignation
angelburst29
The Living Force
Governor resignation sparks power struggle in Puerto Rico
The resignation of Puerto Rico's governor after mass protests has sparked a succession battle, and the winner could be a Washington corporate lawyer not directly linked to his administration, which has been dogged by corruption scandals.
Governor Ricardo Rosselló said on Wednesday he would step down on Aug. 2 in the face of public anger over the release of profane chat messages and embezzlement charges against two former administration officials.
In line with the U.S. territory’s constitution, Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez is next in line to succeed Rosselló, based on current Cabinet vacancies.
Protesters who forced Rosselló from office have vowed to oppose Vázquez, saying she is too close to the disgraced governor.
That has prompted leaders of Rosselló’s pro-statehood party to look to a former Puerto Rico representative in the U.S. Congress as a possible successor, according to four sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named so they could discuss it.
Pedro Pierluisi, who represented the island in Washington from 2009 to 2017, has made it clear to party leaders he would accept the job, according to one of these people.
Pierluisi, currently an attorney with Washington law firm O’Neill & Borges, ran against Rosselló in the gubernatorial election in 2016, losing in a primary.
A member of Rosselló’s New Progressive Party (PNP), Pierluisi could become the commonwealth’s next governor if he is nominated and confirmed as secretary of state before Rosselló resigns. That post, currently vacant, is first in line to succeed the governor.
Also vying for the position is Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz of the PNP, these people said.
Slideshow (8 Images)
Governor resignation sparks power struggle in Puerto Rico
The resignation of Puerto Rico's governor after mass protests has sparked a succession battle, and the winner could be a Washington corporate lawyer not directly linked to his administration, which has been dogged by corruption scandals.
Governor Ricardo Rosselló said on Wednesday he would step down on Aug. 2 in the face of public anger over the release of profane chat messages and embezzlement charges against two former administration officials.
In line with the U.S. territory’s constitution, Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez is next in line to succeed Rosselló, based on current Cabinet vacancies.
Protesters who forced Rosselló from office have vowed to oppose Vázquez, saying she is too close to the disgraced governor.
That has prompted leaders of Rosselló’s pro-statehood party to look to a former Puerto Rico representative in the U.S. Congress as a possible successor, according to four sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named so they could discuss it.
Pedro Pierluisi, who represented the island in Washington from 2009 to 2017, has made it clear to party leaders he would accept the job, according to one of these people.
Pierluisi, currently an attorney with Washington law firm O’Neill & Borges, ran against Rosselló in the gubernatorial election in 2016, losing in a primary.
A member of Rosselló’s New Progressive Party (PNP), Pierluisi could become the commonwealth’s next governor if he is nominated and confirmed as secretary of state before Rosselló resigns. That post, currently vacant, is first in line to succeed the governor.
Also vying for the position is Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz of the PNP, these people said.
Slideshow (8 Images)
Governor resignation sparks power struggle in Puerto Rico
FWIW, Puerto Rico is a narco state. And he may have been a good guy with bring back stablity within, fighting the Deep State.
The Setup
NPR: February 27, 2019 8:52 PM ET
75 Face Drug Charges In Puerto Rico, Some Allegedly Fed Victims To Reptiles
Carmen Yulin Cruz and the Clintons
The Setup
NPR: February 27, 2019 8:52 PM ET
75 Face Drug Charges In Puerto Rico, Some Allegedly Fed Victims To Reptiles
Carmen Yulin Cruz and the Clintons
angelburst29
The Living Force
Puerto Rico justice secretary says she doesn't want to be governor
Puerto Rico's Secretary of Justice Wanda Vazquez attends a news conference in an undated still image from file video in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Courtesy WIPR NOTISEIS via REUTERS
The woman in line to be the governor of Puerto Rico after Ricardo Rosselló steps down next week said on Sunday she does not want the job running the U.S. territory.
Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez is next in line to succeed Rosselló as governor because Puerto Rico currently has no secretary of state, who would have precedence. But on Sunday she said she had no interest in taking the reins. “I hope the governor identifies and submits a candidate for secretary of state before Aug. 2 and I have told him as much,” Vázquez wrote on Twitter.
Protesters who forced Rosselló from office had opposed Vázquez, saying she is too close to the disgraced governor.
Puerto Rico’s previous secretary of state, Luis Rivera Marín, resigned in the wake of the chat scandal.
Three people now look to be in the strongest positions to succeed Rosselló: Pedro Pierluisi, a former Puerto Rico representative in the U.S. Congress and now an attorney with Washington law firm O’Neill & Borges; Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz; and Jenniffer Gonzalez, Puerto Rico’s current delegate to the U.S. Congress.
Puerto Rico's Secretary of Justice Wanda Vazquez attends a news conference in an undated still image from file video in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Courtesy WIPR NOTISEIS via REUTERS
The woman in line to be the governor of Puerto Rico after Ricardo Rosselló steps down next week said on Sunday she does not want the job running the U.S. territory.
Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez is next in line to succeed Rosselló as governor because Puerto Rico currently has no secretary of state, who would have precedence. But on Sunday she said she had no interest in taking the reins. “I hope the governor identifies and submits a candidate for secretary of state before Aug. 2 and I have told him as much,” Vázquez wrote on Twitter.
Protesters who forced Rosselló from office had opposed Vázquez, saying she is too close to the disgraced governor.
Puerto Rico’s previous secretary of state, Luis Rivera Marín, resigned in the wake of the chat scandal.
Three people now look to be in the strongest positions to succeed Rosselló: Pedro Pierluisi, a former Puerto Rico representative in the U.S. Congress and now an attorney with Washington law firm O’Neill & Borges; Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz; and Jenniffer Gonzalez, Puerto Rico’s current delegate to the U.S. Congress.
